Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, was inaugurated as the 47th President on January 20, 2025. Following Grover Cleveland, who served as both the 22nd and 24th president, Trump became the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms.
Trump has been surrounded by countless controversies, many of which blur the line between truth and falsehood. Even setting aside numerous ongoing civil lawsuits, he currently faces four criminal cases. While one might assume that becoming president once could happen by chance, it seemed nearly impossible for someone with so many obstacles to overcome to return to the presidency. Yet his decisive victory in the election for the 47th presidency is not just surprising—it is almost astonishing.
One of the most essential elements in becoming a person of power is the will to attain power. Trump relentlessly pursued this will, refusing to give up no matter how difficult the circumstances. He overcame every obstacle and ultimately achieved his goal. This kind of persistence is a critical leadership quality for those who succeed.
Psychologist Angela Duckworth, in her bestselling book Grit, argues that the key to success is not intelligence or talent, but passion and perseverance. Among those who achieve great success, no one has not experienced failure and setbacks. Yet those who reach the top share a common trait: they never give up and persistently pursue their goals despite repeated disappointments. Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb, achieved after more than 1,000 failed experiments, is a well-known example.
At the foundation of such persistence lies mental strength. Those with weak “mental toughness” cannot endure repeated failure and rejection. If figures like Park Chung-hee, Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung in politics, or Chung Ju-yung, Lee Byung-chul, and Kim Woo-jung in business had possessed fragile minds, we likely would never have heard their names. One can only imagine the mental strength of Martin Luther, who defied the Pope—the most powerful authority of his time—and initiated the Reformation.
The saying “tough leaders build successful organizations” holds enduring truth. Some leaders are both outwardly and inwardly strong and tough. Others may appear gentle on the outside but are unyielding within. Regardless of the type, a leader’s inner world must burn with conviction and persistence that refuses compromise or surrender.
A person who avoids conflict out of weakness cannot be a leader. If maintaining appearances is your priority, you should step down from leadership. Leadership is never for the faint-hearted.
My mentor always ends his messages to me with these words:
“David, persist — no matter what difficulties you face, keep pursuing without ceasing.”